Bowie, MD vs San Mateo, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Bowie
69.4
#1212 nationally
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
San Mateo leads in walk score (68 vs 25). Bowie leads in cost of living index (134 vs 249). San Mateo leads in average commute (28.5 min vs 36.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bowie, MD | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1212) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 57,254 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $526,880 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $138,797 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 36.1 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 5.3 | 6.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+75.2 | D+50.3 |
D+
69.4 Score
Bowie, MD
Maryland community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$526,880
Population
57,254
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
25
Northeast
View Bowie, MD →
D
63 Score
San Mateo, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,685,162
Population
101,327
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View San Mateo, CA →